We are excited to announce open auditions for our spring musical Something Rotten!
Auditions will be held on Sunday, January 22 and Monday, January 23 with call backs on Wednesday, January 25, all at 7:00pm at the Footlighters Playhouse.
Performances are May 5, 6, 12, 13, & 20 at 8:00pm and May 7 & 21 at 2:00pm.
Auditions will consist of readings from the script as well as a short dance routine. Please prepare 16 bars of a song in the style of the show. Bring a headshot and if you have it, a resume. You may download, complete, and bring our audition form or come prepared to fill out the form before your audition starts, including scheduling conflicts.
Plot Summary:
Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.
Something Rotten features large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each given his or her own special moment in the show to shine. Throughout its Broadway run, the musical received a show-stopping standing ovation from audiences! It’s become clear that “nothing’s as amazing as a musical,” so don’t miss your chance to be a part of bringing this history-twisting tale to our stage.
Characters:
NICK BOTTOM – Male, mid-20s to 30s. A struggling renaissance writer at the end of his rope. Nigel’s older brother. Incredibly jealous of the success of William Shakespeare and will do anything to beat him. Seeking a great comedic actor who sings very well, tap dance skill a plus. (Baritone)
NIGEL BOTTOM – Male, mid 20’s to 30’s. Nick’s younger brother. A sweetly naïve young writer and poet, perhaps a little awkward. He falls in love with Portia and ultimately finds confidence in himself through art and love. Seeking a great comedic actor who sings very well. (High baritone/tenor).
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE – Male, mid-20s to 30s. A renaissance rock star. Think Mick Jagger or James Brown. Seeking a comedic actor with a killer pop/rock voice, tap dance skills are a plus. (Rock tenor)
THOMAS NOSTRADAMUS – Male, 40s to 60s. A soothsayer who almost sees the future correctly. A bit loony. He predicts that Nick and Nigel will write a musical. Seeking a comedic actor who sings and moves very well. (Baritone)
BEA - Female, mid-20s to 30s. Nick’s wife and “Right Hand Man”. She loves and supports him despite his questionable decision-making and lack of success. Bea resorts to dressing up like a male to make ends meet and to prove to Nick she can be an actor. Seeking a comedic actress who sings very well. (Belter)
PORTIA - Female, 20s to 30s. An adorably quirky Puritan girl whom Nigel meets on the street. They fall madly in love over their mutual love for Shakespeare and poetry. Seeking a great comedic actress who sings very well. (Youthful Soprano with a strong mix)
BROTHER JEREMIAH – Male, 40′ to 50s. Portia’s father. A Puritan with deeply repressed homoerotic tendencies. He despises playwrights, poets, and all things ungodly. Seeking a great comedic who sings. (Tenor/Baritone)
MINSTREL - Male, mid 20s to 40s. A charismatic actor with a thousand faces. Should have a soaring voice, tons of charisma and an amazing sense of comic timing. Will sing with the ensemble. (Baritone)
SHYLOCK - Male, late 40's to 50's. An old Jewish moneylender. Will sing with the ensemble. (Baritone)
LORD (OR LADY) CLAPHAM Late 40's TO 50's. A flamboyant theatre producer. Will sing with the ensemble.
ENSEMBLE – Various ages/ethnicities. Plays a huge part in all of the major musical numbers and will also be playing some named roles throughout the show. Additional roles include: Minstrel, Shylock, Lord/Lady Clapham, Townspeople, Troupe, Crowd, Chorus, etc.
Rehearsals:
Music rehearsals will start as soon as the show is cast in January one day a week. The full rehearsal schedule will begin the week of February 5th. Weekday rehearsals will be in the evenings; Sunday rehearsals may be in the afternoon or the evening depending on cast availability.
For questions regarding auditions, send an email to audition_info@footlighters.com.
Please check our Audition Tips to help you prepare for auditions.
The Walpole Footlighters Playhouse is located at 2 Scout Road, East Walpole, MA. Click here for directions to the Playhouse.
***For inquiries concerning auditions, contact the Member at Large at memberatlarge@footlighters.com or email audition_info@footlighters.com***